Human Nature Learning how to live well requires understanding human nature. We have a nature like any other animal. Our nature is likely the most powerful force in our lives. Understanding our own nature and that of those around us is necessary if we are to progress toward being making good decisions, being happy, and thriving. My understanding of human nature in general, and my own particular nature, has changed…

What does it mean to thrive? My goal in living is to thrive. But what does thrive mean practically? A vague concept is of little use when making daily decisions on how to live. What is needed is an operational definition that can lead to useful guidelines for living and can help gage progress.The positive psychology movement has produced many books and articles on thriving and flourishing. There has been…

On having a purpose or goal in life Cheshire Puss,' she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. 'Come, it's pleased so far,' thought Alice, and she went on. 'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?' 'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,'…

Introduction to Essays on How to Live These essays have a theme – how to live. They were written to help me live better by exploring topics affecting how I understand my world and then act. It is self-indulgent. But it is possible (and my hope) that my exploration may help a few others. More has been written on how to live a good life than could be read in…

Essays on How to Live The Basic Question in Life This collection of essays on how to live and thrive address one of the basic questions: How should I live my life? How should I live to be happy and thrive? Most of us at some point think about the meaning of life, the goals we should pursue, and what is most important. We develop, whether we know it or…

what does it take to be a good person? Being Good Should Be Our Purpose Our primary purpose should be to be best person possible - to be good. The purpose of life has been debated for as long as we have been human. There is no certain answer and many perspectives. Those debates can be held elsewhere. My premise for learning how to live is that the goal or…

Is Controlling Our desires a Key to Happiness? John Stuart Mill and Desire John Stuart Mill said “I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than seeking to satisfy them.” This seemed odd for Mill to say this. Mill was perhaps the most influential 19th century philosopher. His best known works are “On Liberty” and “Utilitarianism.” He was a strong proponent of individual liberty. Individual speech and actions…

Reconciling Secular and Religious Perspectives on Moral Codes “Have you heard of that madman who lit a lantern in the bright morning hours, ran to the market place, and cried incessantly, "I seek God! I seek God!" As many of those who do not believe in God were standing around just then, he provoked much laughter... "Whither is God," he cried. "I shall tell you. We have killed him -…

The Moral Animal - a Book on Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright What is Evolutionary psychology Reading Robert Wright's book on evolutionary psychology is sobering. It is a readable, interesting, and provocative explanation of this new field of science and its implications. More than once I put the book down mid-page to let the significance of what he said sink in. One cannot read this book without looking at human…